Fisher Fire Burns 407 Acres Near Magdalena

By John Larson
MAGDALENA - The smoke seen on the horizon west of Magdalena last week was from the Fisher Fire, located about 35 miles southwest of the Village in the San Mateo Mountains.
The fire was detected on Aug. 8 and by Saturday, Aug. 22 increased to 407 acres in size.
The fire, burning primarily in Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, is being managed to achieve resource benefits, with the primary objective of providing for public and firefighter safety.
The management strategy allows these fires to function ecologically within a fire dependent ecosystem.
District Fire Management Officer Gabriel Holguin said the Forest Service’s strategy is to let fires burn, depending on the location.
“The Fisher fire was scheduled for prescribed burn next spring, so instead of trying to just put it out, we let it burn,” Holguin said. “Forests have to have fire to function properly. The Fisher Fire burned out all the stuff – the hazardous fuels - that’s accumulated over the years.”
He said management of the Fisher Fire will result in habitat improvement and will stimulate grass and forage product.
“So far, it’s done nothing but good,” Holguin said.
Forest Service officials said the Fisher fire will remain active until the temperatures and relative humidity moderate and the weather patterns established over the region receive enough precipitation to extinguish the fire. It will continue to be monitored and patrolled.

Fisher Fire Burns 407 Acres Near Magdalena